Bearded dragons

[Steve Bullman]

Does anyone keep them? My kids want 1(or 2)...any advice from any owners much appreciated

[Taupotreeman]

I use to keep snakes, lizards, spiders, scorpions and any other bug and beastie I could get my hands on. Find a good specialist shop for the best advice, get as big a tank as you can possibly afford and make sure you have good heat lamps and UV lighting as they need it for their skin and health. They are also good escape artists, as are snakes, so make sure your tank is well secured. Basicly I'd say make sure you get your set up right before anything else. No point having a really nice dragon in a tiny crappy tank.

[Steve Bullman]

looking at a 4ft tank

[Taupotreeman]

Sounds good. Plenty of foliage for hiding places and something to climb on. Logs and rocks for basking on too but don't just go and pick something out of the garden, they have to be sterilised as reptiles can pick up all sorts of nasties. Some people like to put them outside on hot days in a secure enclosure so they can get some natural sun light. If you can get to a zoo to have a look at their reptile enclosures that should give you a better idea of a good set up. Pet shops generally just put in the basics for ease of cleaning.

[Steve Bullman]

been doing a bit of research on them.....think id go for a slate substrate

[Taupotreeman]

Just remember you have to clean regularly so try and make it easy for cleaning.

[odd_bird]

this might be useful to you Bearded Dragon . org.

Get them few giant African snails. Less hassle

[Dean Lofthouse]

I looked after one for a fortnight for my nephew.

 

I was glad to see the back of the smelly horrible thing.

 

Do the right thing steve, buy them a teddy instead

[Steve Bullman]

was it that smelly?

[Taupotreeman]

was it that smelly?

 

Imagine crapping on the floor in your house for two weeks without cleaning it up. Reckon the house would smell pretty bad too. Like I say; they need regular cleaning.